Hiroichi Tatekata's Danceable LIFE Vol. 4
Things you realize through "teaching"
Hirokazu Tatekata (Dancer/Choreographer)
I've been teaching jazz dance at a university for about three years now. It all started when I was invited to guest star as Carabosse in the Momoko Tani Ballet Company's production of "Sleeping Beauty." I never imagined I'd be invited to perform on a classical ballet stage, especially in such a serious production with direction and choreography by a former principal dancer from the Kirov Ballet in Russia, and it was a very valuable learning experience.
That connection led to me being asked if I would be willing to teach jazz dance at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
Actually, I did teach briefly at a community center when I was in my twenties, but teaching at a university is a much higher hurdle. I still want to continue dancing, so I felt like it would be a waste of time. However, opportunities like this don't come along very often. Dance can't be preserved as something tangible like painting or music, so I thought it would be nice to pass on what I've learned to the younger generation, and that's why I accepted the offer.
The problem is "what to convey." I'm not an elite dancer, so I can't be a technical example. I think I should take on the challenge since I was given the opportunity, but it takes courage to "teach" students.
When I consulted an acquaintance who teaches at a university, they told me, "You don't need to teach. Just show them what you're doing by dancing." They said that what's required is to show the attitude you've had towards dance, and that it's up to the students to interpret and internalize that. Those words gave me the push I needed to start teaching classes.
I started this with the hope that students would learn about self-expression and how to project a sense of presence through dance by watching me dance, but before I knew it, three years had passed. I had no experience as a teacher, and it was difficult to teach classes while also having a stage performance, so I thought I would want to quit soon.
Apparently, I didn't dislike teaching after all.
I don't think I'm teaching effectively, and sometimes I find it tedious. But I'm happy and feel a deep affection for my students as I watch them grow step by step. I was surprised by this myself.
This spring, we will have our first graduating class. I am very much looking forward to seeing how they will fare in the outside world.
Just like how I was forced to withdraw from a stage performance due to injury, you never know what's going to happen in this world. No matter how prepared you are, sometimes things just don't work out. I'm trying to take everything positively and do my best.
Filming assistance: Don Giovanni
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131705/13154500/
